Audi A1 vs Skoda Scala
What's the difference?

Audi A1

$18,998 - $29,990

2020 price

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Skoda Scala

$24,990 - $39,789

2025 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Summary

2020 Audi A1

2025 Skoda Scala

By Matt Campbell

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.8L

Turbo 3, 1.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

5.9L/100km (combined)

5.4L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Character-filled car
Sporty performance
City-friendly dimensions

Class-leading interior space
Excellent fuel efficiency
Comfortable and solid on-road

Dislikes

Fuel use a bit high
Expensive
Back seat lacks amenities

Sporadic wireless phone mirroring
Not as fun as its rivals with outputs
Older looking exterior

2020 Audi A1 Summary

The Audi A1 2020 range offers something for everyone, and in the case of this particular variant, it’s the one you buy if you want as much grunt and gear as you can get.

It’s the top-of-the-range Audi A1 40 TFSI model, which gets the zestiest engine, the lengthiest equipment list, and offers performance to match some hot-hatches out there. It’s essentially an Audi-ised version of a VW Polo GTI.

This test wasn’t so much about the wow-factor, though. We put it through its paces as an urban runabout to see how it coped as a real-world city car.

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2025 Skoda Scala Summary

The new Skoda Scala brings a trim line-up of just two models and the features list for both have been reshuffled with a little pruning here and a few welcome additions there.

The Select 85TSI on test for this review replaces the former Ambition base variant and offers very competitive pricing considering its European roots.

You would be forgiven, though, if the Skoda Scala was not the first make and model that came to mind in your new hatchback hunt. But with its minor facelift and a boot capacity that rivals medium SUVs, maybe it should be on the list.

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Deep dive comparison

2020 Audi A1 2025 Skoda Scala

Verdict

If you’re eager for a sporty compact hatchback with premium design and luxury car badges, the Audi A1 40 TFSI is a very, very strong contender. It’s fast, fun, and functional for a little hatchback. It’s just very expensive, and for most people the $10K cheaper 35 TFSI model will tick most of the boxes. I’d recommend you drive it before signing on for the top-spec model.

Verdict

The new Skoda Scala Select proves base models can be well-equipped and have a great price tag, which is not always the case at this grade level.

Its driving experience might not be as exciting as some rivals but it’s a great urban dweller nonetheless and it offers really good value overall.

Audi A1 vs Skoda Scala What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Audi A1 vs Skoda Scala
What's the difference?